Hearts confirm departure of Rafal Grzelak

Hearts have confirmed that Rafal Grzelak has left the club by mutual consent.

The Polish defender, 29, joned in June after a two-year spell with Korona Kielce in his homeland.

Grzelak, who made 16 appearances for Hearts, also had spells with Wisla Plock, Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala and Dolcan Zabki prior to signing for the Jambos.

A club statement read: “Rafal moves in search of more regular first-team football and the club would like to wish him well in the future.”

Primarily a left back, Grzelak was pushed further down the pecking order following the arrival on loan of Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell.

Craig Levein often opted to play Jamie Brandon and Michael Smith - both right backs - in the left full back slot due to the long-term injury to Ashley Smith-Brown.

His last appearance in a Hearts jersey came in the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park when he replaced Smith in injury time.

Grzelak’s last start for the Jambos came in the 2-0 win over Dundee on December 12.

• Hearts have also announced that 17-year-old Andrew Irving has been permanent recalled from his loan spell at Berwick Rangers, with Alex Petkov joining the Wee Gers on a development loan until the end of the season